When Worlds Collide - Chapter 4 - Loreithia

Luciana never liked the idea of returning to Loreithia, she had a much happier life at the Gale Home with Sara and the children. After all, everyone made her feel like she was loved and belonged. As time had passed, she had grown fond of the the idea that the orphanage would be her home forever. But, alas, it wasn't meant to be. Happiness never seemed to last long for her. Audrey and Lucas had been proof of that.

  With time closing in, the girl found herself restless and unable to sleep well. She woke often, plagued by anxiety. Sometimes she would sneak off to another part of the building so as not to disturb her roommates. But still, the dreams would come. It wasn't long until the portal was due to open and she would have to return to Loreithia, and face him. It was a terror that even slumber couldn't spare her from.

  Sara had allowed her to spend the night in her apartment in the hopes she could get some rest. Luciana tossed and turned, beads of sweat forming on her face. The images of the dream pushed forward, causing her to scream.

  Rushing in from the front room, Sara sat on the edge of the bed. "Another nightmare?" she asked, wiping the tears from the girl's face.

  "It's almost always the same, night after night. My memories are returning. Hurt and sadness. I don't want to leave."

  Sara stroked the girl's hair. "Luci, the night we rescued you from those people, I was visited by your mother. She is the one who told me to take you back to Loreithia. There is a place there that will keep you safe and people who will know how to help you."

  Luciana cried, shaking her head. "But, I'm so scared."

  "I know, so am I. But we have to go. There are many who are depending on you. We can't let them down." Pulling the covers up to the girl's chin, she placed a kiss on her forehead. "Try and get some rest."

  "I love you, Sara," she whispered before sleep overcame her.

*          *          *          *          *

  It was difficult for Luciana to leave the Gale Home for Children behind her. It was especially hard leaving her roommates, Megan and Danielle. They had become more like sisters than anything, and many tears were shed at their parting.

  Sara had told her that she should could take a small bag with her on the journey, so she stuffed her backpack full of treasures she found in the modern world, including her bear Lancelot. They walked across the large lawn towards Michael's silver sedan.

  "Remember, no matter what happens, I will be with you. I promise," Sara reassured.

  The time it took to drive to the North Woods seemed to last an eternity. The car was silent, which made the ride even more eerie. Luciana knew both she and Sara were quiet for a reason -- neither of them knew just what was ahead of them.

  When the crimefighters had questioned the kidnappers days earlier, Lucas had given them the location where the portal would appear -- a small clearing about a half-mile from the cabin. As they neared the area, Luciana gripped her bag tightly.

  The forest was silent and dark, and a cold chill hung in the air. But there was no wind. Luciana stood close to Sara, holding her hand as they moved towards the area.

  "Wait." Michael's grabbed Sara's arm and for the first time, she could see terror in his eyes. Even faced with criminals and death, she had never seen such a depth of worry in him. "Why are you doing this?" he asked. "You can send her back through the portal alone. Why must you go to Loreithia with her?"

  "Because I need to get her to safety. I need to make sure she's brought to those who can help her. Michael, this isn't about her, this is about a whole world that needs her."

  "That doesn't explain why you need to go." He squeezed her hand, desperation in his voice. "If you can't get to another portal, you could be trapped there forever. You could die there."

  Sara nodded. "I know all of that. But I could never forgive myself if there was something I could have done and I didn't."

  "Then let me go with you."

  "No." Her fingers stroked his cheek. "You have to be here for Gale."

  Michael stared at the girl, his eyes narrowing. "I wish she had never been sent here."

  "Don't do that," she said gently. "This is what we do. This is why we're superheroes."

  Her brother pulled her into a strong hug. "I'm sorry. It's just that I'm scared. I don't want to lose you; you and dad are all I have in the world."

  "I promise I'll be back."

  In the distance, Luciana's voice sounded. "The portal's opening!"

  Sara squared her shoulders. "Showtime."



  Sara felt her heart pounding deep in her chest. Even though she had been mentally preparing for days, as she watched the portal open before her, reality gripped her. Swallowing hard, she stared at the purple pool of light, suddenly aware of the small hand that had slipped into hers. She looked down at Luciana. "Are you ready?"

  The girl was terrified. Memories haunted her and she wanted to turn and run. But she knew she had to be brave, for Sara. "Yes."

  As the portal grew, seven figures could be made out in the swirling mist.

  "Oh no," Sara gasped.

  Michael took a deep breath and placed his hand on her shoulder. "You need to take Luciana and hide. I'll take care of them. When they're distracted, get to the portal."

  Sara was more terrified than ever. "You can't take care of them all."

  A wry smile cornered his mouth. "Sure I can, I'm Black Torrent. Just come back safe, okay?"

  Pressing a kiss to her brother's cheek, Sara tensed as he pushed her back. "Go, now."

  The portal opened.

  Pulling Luciana up into her arms, Sara dashed behind a nearby bush. As the men came through, confusion filled their faces.

  "Where is the girl?" one asked.

  Torrent didn't waste any time. Using their disorientation to his advantage, he managed to take two down swiftly. However, the other five were quick to recover. Drawing them out, he tried to maneuver the combat to pull their attention away from the swirling purple disc. "Go!" he screamed.

  Holding the girl close, Sara darted into the clearing and jumped into the colored pool. The force sucked them forward and she could hear Luciana's screams mixed with her own. Her skin was like it was on fire and the light burned her eyes through the lids. A moment later, she felt something push her back and she started to fall. A gasp left her lips right before the world faded to black.

*          *          *          *          *

  "She's dressed so strangely. The girl too."

  A softer voice spoke, a child. "I think she's pretty."

  Another voice. A young boy. "Poke her, Fariet. See if she's alive."

  Sara felt a sharp point touch her cheek and she gasped in surprise. Her eyes fluttered opened. She was on the ground and in the forest. For a moment she thought that perhaps she was still in the North Woods and that she'd somehow been overcome by the bounty hunters. But as she inhaled, strange scents teased her nostrils and she realized she wasn't home any longer.

  Pulling up onto her side, she glanced up, her eyes hazy. She could make out the form of a man standing next to a boy and a girl.

  "Where am I?" she whispered.

  "You are on the borders of the Dark Lands. You and your daughter must have fallen victim to bandits."

  "Daughter?" Sara then remembered, "Luciana."

  The girl was a few feet from her, unconscious. Blood flowed sluggishly from a small cut on her head.

 It took a moment, but her vision finally cleared enough to see. She gasped as she looked at the man before her. He was slender, with almond shaped eyes and pointy ears. "You're an elf," she stammered.

  "Yes, I live near here. I am Fariet and this is my brother and sister, Kale and Masira."

  "Then we are in Loreithia." Sara scooped Luciana into her arms. "I fear she may be seriously injured. I need to find help."

  Masira looked at the unconscious girl. "Oh, Fariet. She's so beautiful. We must help. Can't we take them home with us?"

  The elf studied them. Sara pleaded with her eyes.

  "Yes. It is only right that we should. Follow me."

*          *          *          *          *

  The elf home was a small cottage about a mile away. Fariet began a fire in the hearth while Masira started a pot for stew. Luciana rested quietly on the small bed, a cool rag on her head.

  "You're not from here," the elf said, handing Sara a cup of berry juice.

  "No, we are from the land of Gale."

  Fariet shrugged. "I have not heard of that country, but I haven't traveled much. My parents were killed a few years ago when the village was attacked by the armies of Emperor Emmanuel. I was to journey to Klador to start my apprenticeship, but had to remain here to care for my brother and sister."

  Looking at the man, Sara could tell he was only a couple years younger than her. "That was an honorable thing to do," she said softly.

  He shrugged and handed her a platter of bread and fruit. "My uncle and his children live nearby now. I hope to be able to go soon and start my training."

  Sara was trying to think of something encouraging to say when a small voice spoke from the other side of the room. "Are we there?"

  "Luciana," she said as she rushed to the girl's side.

  "Where have I heard that name before?" Fariet murmured to himself. His mind whiled. She couldn't be the one, could she?

  "Are you okay?" Sara asked, taking the cloth from the girl's head.

  "Yes, I'm okay, just a bit sore." She propped up on her elbow and looked around the room. "Where are we? How long was I asleep?"

  "You slept for an hour. Fariet and his siblings were kind enough to take us in."

  As the man rose from the table Luciana was able to see him clearly, and instantly recognized his race. "One of the light elves."

  With a bow, Fariet introduced himself and his younger siblings. Kale waved towards her from the fireplace, but Masira had tucked herself away in the corner. It seemed curiosity had gotten the better of her and she had begun to look inside Luciana's backpack, marvelling at the toys, books, and teddy bear within.

  "What strange things." she whispered to herself.

  "Masira!" Fariet reprimanded. "It's rude to rummage through other people's property."

  Guilt washed over the girl's face and Luciana felt sorry for her. "It's alright. I don't mind," she said with a smile.

  Fariet turned back towards the ebony-haired child. "Forgive me, but I am sure I have heard of your name before. I mean, I know of the possibility that many girls could be christened so, but dare I hope you are the one our world needs? Are you the Dragon Princess of Loreithia?"

  For a moment Luciana was stunned to silence, unsure of what to say. Loreithia needed her? She never had much faith or hope in the universe, and certainly not in herself. Loreithia couldn't possibly need her. How could a child save the world, anyway? Was she really a dragon princess?

  "Be brave." A voice whispered in her ear.

  Glancing up at Sara, Luciana took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "Yes, I am."

  "Oh, thank the gods," Fariet beamed. He had always dreamed of the day when good would return and the world's evil hold would fade away -- a day when families could live without fear of being tortured or killed. "Now that you have returned, is there anything I could do for you, your highess?"

  Luciana was again lost for words and looked up towards Sara. The redhead took the lead. "I had a dream back in Gale. I was told she must be taken to the Temple of the Elders. Would you know where it is?"

  "It's in the forest of Eldarwood near the Gray Mountains. Everyone knows where it is, and if they don't, there are plenty of maps to guide you." The elf walked over to a book cabinet and pulled a weathered volume from a shelf. He opened it to detailed map of the area. "This book is a world atlas, it shows every part of Loreithia and its regions."

  "So why the Temple?" Sara asked.

  "The Temple is sacred ground protected on all sides. No evil can enter it. It's one of the only places we have left that is safe from the destruction of Emperor Emmanuel. Because of that, many have sought refuge there. It's also home to some of the most powerful mages in Loreithia. If there's anyone who could help guide Luciana, it's them. The only problem is getting there."

  "Why is that?"

  "It's a seven-day journey, and the road to the Temple is not only long but dangerous, even moreso at night. The forests and fields are deadly, spies and hunters are everywhere. You're going to need a guide and skilled fighters."

  Sara stared at the map, tracing her finger along the route the elf had mentioned. "I have to find someone to take us."

  Fariet leaned back in his chair. "You can hire someone. There are many who need work and I think you should be able to find someone who will at least start you on the journey."

  Sara felt her heart sink. "I have no money."

  "Oh yes. The bandits who robbed you in the woods before I found you. I'm sorry, I had forgotten that. Could your family help?"

  "Her family is back on Earth," Luciana said.

  The man looked confused.

  Closing the atlas, Sara sighed. "I think I need to tell you a few things."

*          *          *          *          *

  "On Earth women paint there hair different colors. So you can have red hair if you want, or yellow, or even pink!"

  "Pink!" Masira squealed. "I would like mine to be violet."

  Luciana giggle. "Or even blue."

  It had been five days since they had arrived back in Loreithia. Sara had entrusted the secret of where she had come from with Fariet and his family. He had agreed to let them stay in his home until Sara could find a guide. During that time, Sara had spent much time in Elekville and surrounding areas, hoping to find someone to help them start their journey. For safety reasons, Luciana remained at the cottage, and she and Masira had become fast friends. The girls spent the day telling stories, primping each other, and doing all the other things Loreithian children were known to do.

  It was nearing dusk when Sara returned. Luciana immediately noticed her expression. It was sad, but there was something else there, something deeper. "Are you all right?" she asked the woman.

  Rubbing her fingers across her forehead, she nodded. "Just a bit of a headache. But I'll be all right."

  "Masira and I are making dinner. Pheasant stew."

  Sara smiled, though her expression was far from happy. "That sounds wonderful."

  The eldest of the elf clan appeared from the back door. His shirt was off, revealing a strong chest and broad shoulders. He tossed a large axe onto the floor.

  Sara blushed and glanced away.

  "Any luck?" he asked.

  "No. But I'm sure I'll be able to find someone soon. When I get a little gold."

  "How can you get gold?" Luciana said. "You have no job."

  Fariet had allowed Sara to wear some of his mother's dresses. She hastily loosened the waist ties, thankful to be able to breathe easier. "Don't worry, I'm working a few things out."

  The princess looked back at Masira. "But she hasn't found a guide yet, so that means we have more time together."

  "Yay," the elf girl said with a clap of her hands.

  Suddenly not hungry, Sara headed into the bedroom.

*****************

  Sara sobbed into the pillow, hoping it muffled her cries. She didn't want Luciana or the elf family to know her sorrow. She had spent nearly a week talking to people, asking for help. Without money, however, she had found herself turned away again and again. Out of desperation, she had resorted to more drastic measures.

  Lying in bed, she stared at the bag of gold on the side table. Despite the argument that no one would help her without payment, Sara soon learned that the apprehension was not merely from a reluctance to work for free, but a paralyzing fear of the wicked Emperor. Even when she had offered them gold, she was told there was not a high enough wage to risk such a journey.

  The door to the room creaked open and Sara expected to see Luciana. During their stay, she and the girl typically shared the bed of the elf family's parents. On this night, however, the princess had chosen to have a "sleepover" with Masira. It was Fariet who entered.

  "Are you all right?" he asked. "I heard you crying."

  Wiping the tears from her face, she forced a smile. "I'm all right."

  The elf didn't looked convinced. He moved to the bed and sat beside her. "Emperor Emmanuel is powerful and many are afraid of him."

  She realized he must have spoken with some of the villagers. Sara began to sob again. "I am going to let Luciana down. I'm going to let Loreithia down. I need to get her to the Temple and I can't do it alone." She smacked at the bag of coins on the table. "I can't even pay someone."

  Fariet's brows furrowed. "Where did you get gold?"

  Sara didn't answer. She simply glanced down, her face flushing red.

  The elf's face fell and he touched her hand. "Please try to sleep. We'll talk in the morning. I'll see what I can do to get you some help."



  The sky was dark, a storm threatening, but the rain had not started yet. Luciana found it the opportune moment to sneak out into the garden. Wrapped in a blanket, she picked a bunch of yellow flowers. She wanted to give them to Sara, since she seemed so sad.

  "This is for you," she said brightly, as the redhead exited the bedroom.

  The woman had slept late and was just rising. She rubbed the tiredness from her eyes. "Thank you, sweetie. They're beautiful."

  Fariet entered from the front door. He was dressed more formally, in heavy pants, a white shirt, and work vest. A large bag was slung over his shoulder.

  "Masira, go help your brother pack. You'll be staying at your uncle's for a few weeks, so make sure you take enough undergarments."

  "What's going on?" Sara asked.

  "I am going to take you on the journey to the Temple." He glanced down at the ebony haired girl beside her. "I shall do it for the princess and all of Loreithia."

  Luciana lunged forward, hugging the man. From the moment she had met him, she knew there was something special about the elf. He had a good heart, and somehow she knew he would help them.

  Crossing the room, Sara stopped in front of the man. "Thank you," she whispered.

  Taking her fingers into his, he smiled. "I shall vow to protect both of you."

  Struggling to hold back the tears, Sara turned to her ward. "Luci, we must get ready, we're going soon."

  For once, the young girl wasn't scared. She knew there would be dangers, and she knew there would be moments in the future where she would be frightened. But, for now, things seemed right.

  "I must get my backpack!"